SOCCER FEVER: Madlanga Commission goes green and gold for Bafana’s World Cup opener

In a rare break from the usual sea of dark suits, the commissioners and evidence leaders at the Madlanga Commission arrived decked out in Bafana Bafana colours on Thursday, showing their support for South Africa before the Fifa World Cup 2026 opener against Mexico.

On Thursday, 10 June 2026, a splash of green and gold brought a lighter mood to Madlanga Commission proceedings, proving that even amid serious testimony, football fever has the power to unite even the most combative arenas.

As the commissioners donning Bafana Bafana jerseys entered the hearing venue, the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, their show of support was met with spontaneous applause from those in attendance.

For a brief moment, the commission investigating serious allegations paused its focus on evidence and testimony and, like millions of South Africans, turned its attention to the beautiful game.

Bafana Bafana are set to take on Mexico in their World Cup opener on Thursday night, with coach Hugo Broos expressing confidence in his team’s readiness to face a formidable opponent on home turf.

For South Africa, the fixture carries its own echoes. They opened the 2010 World Cup against Mexico in Johannesburg, drawing 1-1 after Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the tournament’s most memorable goals.

A smiling commission chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, opened proceedings by explaining the unusual Bafana Bafana dress code.

“Since today is the opening day of Bafana’s Fifa World Cup 2026 campaign, it is fine to show them our unwavering support. We trust that they will do well,” he said.

Madlanga could not resist sharing a light-hearted story at the expense of fellow commissioner advocate Sandile Khumalo, SC.

“I have not alerted the person who is the subject of the story that I am going to do so,” Madlanga joked.

“My colleague, Commissioner Khumalo, used to tell us his plans to go to the World Cup. Right now, he would have been in Mexico to watch this football extravaganza. Unfortunately, once the period of the commission was extended, those plans were dashed.”

Madlanga then paid tribute to Khumalo and other members of the commission who had put personal plans on hold to ensure its work continued.

“Commissioner Khumalo and everyone within the commission who has had to make personal sacrifices, one way or another, to see to it that the work of the commission succeeds, many thanks to you all,” he said.

Returning to the day’s business, Madlanga ended with a rallying cry familiar to football fans across the country.

“I urge all South Africans to support our tea